Subscription services make life easier. You can stream your favorite shows, automate household supplies/tasks, and give you everything from meal kits to self‑care products delivered right to your door. But with so many options, it’s easy to lose track of what you’re paying for each month. Subscriptions that go unused (or unnoticed) can quietly drain your budget.
By being proactive and intentional, you can enjoy the convenience of subscriptions without overspending. Here are updated tips – plus new strategies – to keep your recurring costs under control.
1. Read the Fine Print Before Starting a Free Trial
Free trials make it easy to test a service before committing. But terms and conditions can include important details like trial end dates, auto‑renewal terms, and pre‑checked boxes that sign you up for additional products or payment agreements you didn’t intend to make.
What to look for:
- When the trial ends
- Whether you’ll be charged automatically
- Cancellation steps
- Any “opt‑out” boxes you must manually uncheck
Why it matters: Understanding these terms helps you avoid unexpected charges and ensures you stay in control of your spending.
2. Set Calendar Reminders to Cancel or Review Subscriptions
Once you know when a free trial ends, or when your next billing cycle hits, set a calendar reminder to reassess the subscription. This helps you make an intentional choice instead of being automatically charged.
Ways to stay on top of dates:
- Add reminders to your digital calendar.
- Use a project-management app you already rely on.
- Keep a simple “subscriptions” note on your phone.
This step works for both free trials and paid subscriptions, helping you regularly check in on what you’re using and what you’re not.
3. Audit Your Subscriptions Regularly
Streaming, fitness apps, cloud storage, memberships, meal kits - the subscription list adds up quickly. Make it a habit to review everything you’re subscribed to and actively cancel anything you no longer need or use.
How to audit effectively:
- Review app store subscriptions.
- Check your bank or credit card statement for recurring charges.
- Log into websites for physical or mail‑order subscriptions.
- Use a subscription tracking app if you have several to manage.
- Tracking apps typically run between $0.99 and $5 per month and can simplify the process if your subscription list is long.
4. Sync Billing Dates to Make Budgeting Easier
When subscriptions renew at different times of the month, it’s easy for expenses to blur together. Consider updating billing dates so renewals hit around the same time. This gives you a clearer picture of monthly spending and makes budgeting, and canceling, more intentional.
5. Bundle or Downgrade Where Possible
Many companies offer discounted bundles or lower‑tier plans with fewer features. If you only use part of what a subscription includes, a downgrade might meet your needs while reducing costs. However, a bundle may provide you with the opportunity to save some money while still maintaining subscriptions you love.
Examples:
- Switching to ad‑supported streaming instead of ad-free
- Bundling multiple streaming platforms at a discount
- Sharing family plans (where permitted)
6. Use a Single Payment Method for Visibility
Putting all subscriptions on the same debit or credit card makes it easier to track your recurring expenses in one place. It also makes updates easier if you get a new card or need to dispute a charge.
7. Run a “Subscription Fast” Once a Year
Choose one month each year to pause or cancel all non‑essential subscriptions. This helps you:
- See what you truly miss
- Reset your habits
- Reintroduce only the subscriptions that provide real value
Pro Tips for Making the Most of Subscription Services
- Cancel immediately after signing up for a free trial (you’ll often retain access through the trial period).
- Don’t default to annual plans unless you’re certain you’ll use the service all year.
- Watch for price increases. Many platforms raise rates annually, so stay alert.
- Use gift cards or prepaid debit cards for subscriptions you want to control tightly.
- Rotate streaming services instead of keeping all of them year‑round.
- Look for student, military, or family discounts when eligible.
- Perform quarterly financial “cleanups” to remove unused services.
Managing your subscriptions intentionally helps you keep more money in your pocket, and choosing the right payment method can stretch your budget even further. When you use our Founder’s Rewards Card to pay for your recurring services, you earn unlimited cash rewards on every purchase*, giving you extra value on the subscriptions you enjoy most. Make your monthly spending work harder for you and learn more about how our rewards card can support your financial goals.
* You can earn 1.5% cash rewards on purchases. You can earn 2% cash rewards on purchases if you maintain a PSECU checking account and qualifying monthly direct deposit(s) of at least $500. Some exclusions may apply. See the Visa® Founder's Card and Visa® Alumni Rewards Card Rewards Program Terms and Conditions for full details.